Use of oligoglucosamines in cosmetic or dermatological preparations

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is the use of low molecular weight oligoglucosamines or chitosans in cosmetic or dermatological preparations for stimulating the metabolism of the human skin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of skin and hair care and, more particularly, to the use of oligoglucosamines or low molecular weight chitosans inter alia for stimulating the metabolism of the human skin.

PRIOR ART

Even in ancient times, beauty-conscious women knew about the effect of plant and flower essences. Whoever could afford to do so, like Cleopatra for example, bathed in asses' milk in order to impart moisture and elasticity to the skin. However, it has taken until the present day for cosmetic chemistry to be able to leave the age of pure empirical experience. In the meantime, new biochemical processes in the skin and hair have been elucidated and biosyntheses of macromolecules decoded on an almost daily basis. Even in the testing of new active principles, there has been increasingly less reliance on dubious panel tests. Instead, a number of in vitro methods is now available for objectivizing efficacy and performance. Active principles which have attracted particular attention in recent years include glucosamine which stimulates the metabolism in the human dermis in general and the formation of dermal macromolecules in particular. The related N-acetyl glucosamine has also proved to be effective in the cosmetics field, above all because it promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in human keratinocytes. It is obvious that there is a particular interest in cosmetic chemistry in biocatalysts of which the use in topically applied preparations ultimately has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. However, the disadvantage of glucosamine and glucosamine derivatives is that their performance is inadequate for practical purposes. Accordingly, the problem addressed by the present invention, which originated from that discovery, was to provide active principles which would exhibit the complex property profile of glucosamines, but which would have distinctly better performance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of oligoglucosamines and/or derivatives thereof in cosmetic or dermatological preparations for stimulating the metabolism of human skin in which it may be present in quantities of typically 0.01 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight and more particularly 0.5 to 1% by weight.

It has surprisingly been found that oligoglucosamines with an average molecular weight of 500 to 5,000 and preferably in the range from 800 to 1,500 are distinguished from monomeric glucosamine in in vitro tests by a far greater improvement in fibroblast growth and by excellent protection of human keratinocytes against UVB radiation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the oligoglucosamines according to the invention have a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 1,000 g/mol and a degree of acetylation of less than 20%.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to the use of the oligoglucosamines and/or derivatives thereof in cosmetic or dermatological preparations

-   -   for stimulating the renewal of skin cells;     -   for reducing UV-induced skin damage;     -   against ageing and wrinkling of the skin;     -   for reducing the photoageing of human skin;     -   for improving the healing of wounds;     -   for increasing hair growth;     -   for increasing lipid synthesis for the Stratum corneum;     -   against dry skin;     -   for stimulating the synthesis of dermal matrix proteins such as,         for example, collagen, elastin and proteoglycan molecules;     -   for reducing signs of inflammation;     -   for treating sensitive skin;     -   against acne;     -   for stimulating the protection mechanism of human skin cells         against physical or chemical stress.         Oligoglucosamines

Oligoglucosamines are biopolymers which belong to the group of hydrocolloids. Chemically, they are partly deacetylated chitins differing in their molecular weights which are also known as chitosans and which contain the following—idealized—monomer unit:

In contrast to most hydrocolloids, which are negatively charged at biological pH values, oligoglucosamines or chitosans are cationic biopolymers under these conditions. The positively charged oligoglucosamines are capable of interacting with oppositely charged surfaces and are therefore used in cosmetic hair-care and body-care products and pharmaceutical preparations. Oligoglucosamines are produced from chitin, preferably from the shell residues of crustaceans which are available in large quantities as inexpensive raw materials. In a process described for the first time by Hackmann et al., the chitin is normally first deproteinized by addition of bases, demineralized by addition of mineral acids and, finally, deacetylated by addition of strong bases, the molecular weights being distributed over a broad spectrum. Preferred types are those which have an average molecular weight of 10,000 to 500,000 dalton or 800,000 to 1,200,000 dalton and/or a Brookfield viscosity (1% by weight in glycolic acid) below 5,000 mPas, a degree of deacetylation of 80 to 88% and an ash content of less than 0.3% by weight. The chitosans obtainable in this way are polyglucoamines, i.e. their molecular weight is still far too high for the purposes of the invention. Accordingly, in a second step, the chitosans are further degraded under the influence of acids and the degradation products, i.e. the oligoglucosamines, which now have a molecular weight of 500 to 5,000 and preferably in the range from 800 to 1,500, are subjected to a membrane filtration to remove impurities, particularly salts. They are then freeze-dried. If desired, they may then be derivatized, for example reacted with ethylene oxide. Cosmetic and/or Dermatological Preparations

The oligoglucosamines may be used for the production of cosmetic and/or dermatological preparations such as, for example, creams, gels, lotions, alcoholic and aqueous/alcoholic solutions, emulsions, wax/fat compounds, stick preparations or ointments. These preparations may also contain mild surfactants, oil components, emulsifiers, pearlizing waxes, consistency factors, thickeners, superfatting agents, stabilizers, polymers, silicone compounds, fats, waxes, lecithins, phospholipids, UV protection factors, biogenic agents, antioxidants, deodorants, antiperspirants, anti-dandruff agents, film formers, swelling agents, insect repellents, self-tanning agents, tyrosine inhibitors (depigmenting agents), hydrotropes, solubilizers, perservatives, perfume oils, dyes and the like as further auxiliaries and additives.

Surfactants

Suitable surfactants are anionic, nonionic, cationic and/or amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants which may be present in the preparations in quantities of normally about 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 5 to 50% by weight and more preferably 10 to 30% by weight. Typical examples of anionic surfactants are soaps, alkyl benzenesulfonates, alkanesulfonates, olefin sulfonates, alkylether sulfonates, glycerol ether sulfonates, α-methyl ester sulfonates, sulfofatty acids, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, glycerol ether sulfates, fatty acid ether sulfates, hydroxy mixed ether sulfates, monoglyceride (ether) sulfates, fatty acid amide (ether) sulfates, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinamates, sulfotriglycerides, amide soaps, ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, fatty acid isethionates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid taurides, N-acylamino acids such as, for example, acyl lactylates, acyl tartrates, acyl glutamates and acyl aspartates, alkyl oligoglucoside sulfates, protein fatty acid condensates (particularly wheat-based vegetable products) and alkyl (ether) phosphates. If the anionic surfactants contain polyglycol ether chains, they may have a conventional homolog distribution although they preferably have a narrow-range homolog distribution. Typical examples of nonionic surfactants are fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, fatty acid polyglycol esters, fatty acid amide polyglycol ethers, fatty amine polyglycol ethers, alkoxylated triglycerides, mixed ethers and mixed formals, optionally partly oxidized alk(en)yl oligoglycosides or glucuronic acid derivatives, fatty acid-N-alkyl glucamides, protein hydrolyzates (particularly wheat-based vegetable products), polyol fatty acid esters, sugar esters, sorbitan esters, polysorbates and amine oxides. If the nonionic surfactants contain polyglycol ether chains, they may have a conventional homolog distribution, although they preferably have a narrow-range homolog distribution. Typical examples of cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds, for example dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride, and esterquats, more particularly quaternized fatty acid trialkanolamine ester salts. Typical examples of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants are alkylbetaines, alkylamidobetaines, aminopropionates, aminoglycinates, imidazolinium betaines and sulfobetaines. Typical examples of particularly suitable mild, i.e. particularly dermatologically compatible, surfactants are fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, mono- and/or dialkyl sulfosuccinates, fatty acid isethionates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid taurides, fatty acid glutamates, α-olefin sulfonates, ether carboxylic acids, alkyl oligoglucosides, fatty acid glucamides, alkylamidobetaines, ampho-acetals and/or protein fatty acid condensates, preferably based on wheat proteins.

Oil Components

Suitable oil components are, for example, Guerbet alcohols based on fatty alcohols containing 6 to 18 and preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms, esters of linear C₆₋₂₂ fatty acids with linear or branched C₆₋₂₂ fatty alcohols or esters of branched C₆₋₁₃ carboxylic acids with linear or branched C₆₋₂₂ fatty alcohols such as, for example, myristyl myristate, myristyl palmitate, myristyl stearate, myristyl isostearate, myristyl oleate, myristyl behenate, myristyl erucate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, cetyl isostearate, cetyl oleate, cetyl behenate, cetyl erucate, stearyl myristate, stearyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl isostearate, stearyl oleate, stearyl behenate, stearyl erucate, isostearyl myristate, isostearyl palmitate, isostearyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isostearyl oleate, isostearyl behenate, isostearyl oleate, oleyl myristate, oleyl palmitate, oleyl stearate, oleyl isostearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl behenate, oleyl erucate, behenyl myristate, behenyl palmitate, behenyl stearate, behenyl isostearate, behenyl oleate, behenyl behenate, behenyl erucate, erucyl myristate, erucyl palmitate, erucyl stearate, erucyl isostearate, erucyl oleate, erucyl behenate and erucyl erucate. Also suitable are esters of linear C₆₋₂₂ fatty acids with branched alcohols, more particularly 2-ethyl hexanol, esters of C₁₈₋₃₈ alkylhydroxycarboxylic acids with linear or branched C₆₋₂₂ fatty alcohols (cf. DE 19756377 A1), more especially Dioctyl Malate, esters of linear and/or branched fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols (for example propylene glycol, dimer diol or trimer triol) and/or Guerbet alcohols, triglycerides based on C₆₋₁₀ fatty acids, liquid mono-, di- and triglyceride mixtures based on C₆₋₁₈ fatty acids, esters of C₆₋₂₂ fatty alcohols and/or Guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids, more particularly benzoic acid, esters of C₂₋₁₂ dicarboxylic acids with linear or branched alcohols containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms or polyols containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, vegetable oils, branched primary alcohols, substituted cyclohexanes, linear and branched C₆₋₂₂ fatty alcohol carbonates, such as Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Cetiol® CC) for example, Guerbet carbonates based on C₆₋₁₈ and preferably C₈₋₁₀ fatty alcohols, esters of benzoic acid with linear and/or branched C₆₋₂₂ alcohols (for example Finsolv® TN), linear or branched, symmetrical or nonsymmetrical dialkyl ethers containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms per alkyl group, such as Dicaprylyl Ether (Cetiol® OE) for example, ring opening products of epoxidized fatty acid esters with polyols, silicone oils (cyclomethicone, silicon methicone types, etc.) and/or aliphatic or naphthenic hydrocarbons such as, for example, squalane, squalene or dialkyl cyclohexanes.

Emulsifiers

Suitable emulsifiers are, for example, nonionic surfactants from at least one of the following groups:

-   -   products of the addition of 2 to 30 mol ethylene oxide and/or 0         to 5 mol propylene oxide onto linear C₈₋₂₂ fatty alcohols, onto         C₁₂₋₂₂ fatty acids, onto alkyl phenols containing 8 to 15 carbon         atoms in the alkyl group and onto alkylamines containing 8 to 22         carbon atoms in the alkyl group;     -   alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycosides containing 8 to 22 carbon         atoms in the alk(en)yl group and ethoxylated analogs thereof;     -   addition products of 1 to 15 mol ethylene oxide onto castor oil         and/or hydrogenated castor oil;     -   addition products of 15 to 60 mol ethylene oxide onto castor oil         and/or hydrogenated castor oil;     -   partial esters of glycerol and/or sorbitan with unsaturated,         linear or saturated, branched fatty acids containing 12 to 22         carbon atoms and/or hydroxycarboxylic acids containing 3 to 18         carbon atoms and addition products thereof onto 1 to 30 mol         ethylene oxide;     -   partial esters of polyglycerol (average degree of         self-condensation 2 to 8), polyethylene glycol (molecular weight         400 to 5,000), trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sugar         alcohols (for example sorbitol), alkyl glucosides (for example         methyl glucoside, butyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside) and         polyglucosides (for example cellulose) with saturated and/or         unsaturated, linear or branched fatty acids containing 12 to 22         carbon atoms and/or hydroxycarboxylic acids containing 3 to 18         carbon atoms and addition products thereof onto 1 to 30 mol         ethylene oxide;     -   mixed esters of pentaerythritol, fatty acids, citric acid and         fatty alcohol and/or mixed esters of fatty acids containing 6 to         22 carbon atoms, methyl glucose and polyols, preferably glycerol         or polyglycerol,     -   mono-, di- and trialkyl phosphates and mono-, di- and/or         tri-PEG-alkyl phosphates and salts thereof,     -   wool wax alcohols,     -   polysiloxane/polyalkyl/polyether copolymers and corresponding         derivatives,     -   block copolymers, for example Polyethyleneglycol-30         Dipolyhydroxystearate;     -   polymer emulsifiers, for example Pemulen types (TR-1, TR-2) from         Goodrich;     -   polyalkylene glycols and     -   glycerol carbonate.

Ethylene Oxide Addition Products

-   -   The addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide         onto fatty alcohols, fatty acids, alkylphenols or onto castor         oil are known commercially available products. They are homolog         mixtures of which the average degree of alkoxylation corresponds         to the ratio between the quantities of ethylene oxide and/or         propylene oxide and substrate with which the addition reaction         is carried out. C_(12/18) fatty acid monoesters and diesters of         addition products of ethylene oxide onto glycerol are known as         lipid layer enhancers for cosmetic formulations.

Alkyl and/or Alkenyl Oligoglycosides

-   -   Alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycosides, their production and their         use are known from the prior art. They are produced in         particular by reacting glucose or oligosaccharides with primary         alcohols containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms. So far as the         glycoside unit is concerned, both monoglycosides in which a         cyclic sugar unit is attached to the fatty alcohol by a         glycoside bond and oligomeric glycosides with a degree of         oligomerization of preferably up to about 8 are suitable. The         degree of oligomerization is a statistical mean value on which         the homolog distribution typical of such technical products is         based.

Partial glycerides

-   -   Typical examples of suitable partial glycerides are         hydroxystearic acid monoglyceride, hydroxystearic acid         diglyceride, isostearic acid monoglyceride, isostearic acid         diglyceride, oleic acid monoglyceride, oleic acid diglyceride,         ricinoleic acid monoglyceride, ricinoleic acid diglyceride,         linoleic acid monoglyceride, linoleic acid diglyceride,         linolenic acid monoglyceride, linolenic acid diglyceride, erucic         acid monoglyceride, erucic acid diglyceride, tartaric acid         monoglyceride, tartaric acid diglyceride, citric acid         monoglyceride, citric acid diglyceride, malic acid         monoglyceride, malic acid diglyceride and technical mixtures         thereof which may still contain small quantities of triglyceride         from the production process. Addition products of 1 to 30 and         preferably 5 to 10 mol ethylene oxide onto the partial         glycerides mentioned are also suitable.

Sorbitan Esters

-   -   Suitable sorbitan esters are sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan         sesquiisostearate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan         triisostearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate,         sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan monoerucate,         sorbitan sesquierucate, sorbitan dierucate, sorbitan trierucate,         sorbitan monoricinoleate, sorbitan sesquiricinoleate, sorbitan         diricinoleate, sorbitan triricinoleate, sorbitan         monohydroxystearate, sorbitan sesquihydroxystearate, sorbitan         dihydroxystearate, sorbitan trihydroxystearate, sorbitan         monotartrate, sorbitan sesquitartrate, sorbitan ditartrate,         sorbitan tritartrate, sorbitan monocitrate, sorbitan         sesquicitrate, sorbitan dicitrate, sorbitan tricitrate, sorbitan         monomaleate, sorbitan sesquimaleate, sorbitan dimaleate,         sorbitan trimaleate and technical mixtures thereof. Addition         products of 1 to 30 and preferably 5 to 10 mol ethylene oxide         onto the sorbitan esters mentioned are also suitable.

Polyglycerol Esters

-   -   Typical examples of suitable polyglycerol esters are         Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate (Dehymuls® PGPH),         Polyglycerin-3-Diisostearate (Lameform® TGI), Polyglyceryl-4         Isostearate (Isolan® GI 34), Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate,         Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Isolan® PDI),         Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate (Tego Care® 450),         Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax (Cera Bellina®), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate         (Polyglycerol Caprate T2010/90), Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether         (Chimexane® NL), Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate (Cremophor® GS 32)         and Polyglyceryl Polyricinoleate (Admul® WOL 1403), Polyglyceryl         Dimerate Isostearate and mixtures thereof. Examples of other         suitable polyolesters are the mono-, di- and triesters of         trimethylolpropane or pentaerythritol with lauric acid,         cocofatty acid, tallow fatty acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid,         oleic acid, behenic acid and the like optionally reacted with 1         to 30 mol ethylene oxide.

Anionic Emulsifiers

-   -   Typical anionic emulsifiers are aliphatic fatty acids containing         12 to 22 carbon atoms such as, for example, palmitic acid,         stearic acid or behenic acid and dicarboxylic acids containing         12 to 22 carbon atoms such as, for example, azelaic acid or         sebacic acid.

Amphoteric and Cationic Emulsifiers

-   -   Other suitable emulsifiers are zwitterionic surfactants.         Zwitterionic surfactants are surface-active compounds which         contain at least one quaternary ammonium group and at least one         carboxylate and one sulfonate group in the molecule.         Particularly suitable zwitterionic surfactants are the so-called         betaines, such as the N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium glycinates,         for example cocoalkyl dimethyl ammonium glycinate,         N-acylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium glycinates, for example         cocoacylaminopropyl dimethyl ammonium glycinate, and         2-alkyl-3-carboxymethyl-3-hydroxyethyl imidazolines containing 8         to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl or acyl group and         cocoacylaminoethyl hydroxyethyl carboxymethyl glycinate. The         fatty acid amide derivative known under the CTFA name of         Cocamidopropyl Betaine is particularly preferred. Ampholytic         surfactants are also suitable emulsifiers. Ampholytic         surfactants are surface-active compounds which, in addition to a         C_(8/18) alkyl or acyl group, contain at least one free amino         group and at least one —COOH— or —SO₃H— group in the molecule         and which are capable of forming inner salts. Examples of         suitable ampholytic surfactants are N-alkyl glycines, N-alkyl         propionic acids, N-alkylaminobutyric acids,         N-alkyliminodipropionic acids, N-hydroxyethyl-N-alkylamidopropyl         glycines, N-alkyl taurines, N-alkyl sarcosines,         2-alkylaminopropionic acids and alkylaminoacetic acids         containing around 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group.         Particularly preferred ampholytic surfactants are         N-cocoalkylaminopropionate, cocoacylaminoethyl aminopropionate         and C_(12/18) acyl sarcosine. Finally, cationic surfactants are         also suitable emulsifiers, those of the esterquat type,         preferably methyl-quaternized difatty acid triethanolamine ester         salts, being particularly preferred.         Fats and waxes

Typical examples of fats are glycerides, i.e. solid or liquid, vegetable or animal products which consist essentially of mixed glycerol esters of higher fatty acids. Suitable waxes are inter alia natural waxes such as, for example, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, espartograss wax, cork wax, guaruma wax, rice oil wax, sugar cane wax, ouricury wax, montan wax, beeswax, shellac wax, spermaceti, lanolin (wool wax), uropygial fat, ceresine, ozocerite (earth wax), petrolatum, paraffin waxes and microwaxes; chemically modified waxes (hard waxes) such as, for example, montan ester waxes, sasol waxes, hydrogenated jojoba waxes and synthetic waxes such as, for example, polyalkylene waxes and polyethylene glycol waxes. Besides the fats, other suitable additives are fat-like substances, such as lecithins and phospholipids. Lecithins are known among experts as glycerophospholipids which are formed from fatty acids, glycerol, phosphoric acid and choline by esterification. Accordingly, lecithins are also frequently referred to by experts as phosphatidyl cholines (PCs). Examples of natural lecithins are the kephalins which are also known as phosphatidic acids and which are derivatives of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoric acids. By contrast, phospholipids are generally understood to be mono- and preferably diesters of phosphoric acid with glycerol (glycerophosphates) which are normally classed as fats. Sphingosines and sphingolipids are also suitable.

Pearlizing Waxes

Suitable pearlizing waxes are, for example, alkylene glycol esters, especially ethylene glycol distearate; fatty acid alkanolamides, especially cocofatty acid diethanolamide; partial glycerides, especially stearic acid monoglyceride; esters of polybasic, optionally hydroxysubstituted carboxylic acids with fatty alcohols containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, especially long-chain esters of tartaric acid; fatty compounds, such as for example fatty alcohols, fatty ketones, fatty aldehydes, fatty ethers and fatty carbonates which contain in all at least 24 carbon atoms, especially laurone and distearylether; fatty acids, such as stearic acid, hydroxystearic acid or behenic acid, ring opening products of olefin epoxides containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms with fatty alcohols containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and/or polyols containing 2 to 15 carbon atoms and 2 to 10 hydroxyl groups and mixtures thereof.

Consistency Factors and Thickeners

The consistency factors mainly used are fatty alcohols or hydroxyfatty alcohols containing 12 to 22 and preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms and also partial glycerides, fatty acids or hydroxyfatty acids. A combination of these substances with alkyl oligoglucosides and/or fatty acid N-methyl glucamides of the same chain length and/or polyglycerol poly-12-hydroxystearates is preferably used. Suitable thickeners are, for example, Aerosil types (hydrophilic silicas), polysaccharides, more especially xanthan gum, guar-guar, agar-agar, alginates and tyloses, carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose, also relatively high molecular weight polyethylene glycol monoesters and diesters of fatty acids, polyacrylates (for example Carbopols® and Pemulen types [Goodrich]; Synthalens® [Sigma]; Keltrol types [Kelco]; Sepigel types [Seppic]; Salcare types [Allied Colloids]), polyacrylamides, polymers, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Other consistency factors which have proved to be particularly effective are bentonites, for example Bentone® Gel VS-5PC (Rheox) which is a mixture of cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite and propylene carbonate. Other suitable consistency factors are surfactants such as, for example, ethoxylated fatty acid glycerides, esters of fatty acids with polyols, for example pentaerythritol or trimethylol propane, narrow-range fatty alcohol ethoxylates or alkyl oligoglucosides and electrolytes, such as sodium chloride and ammonium chloride.

Superfatting Agents

Superfatting agents may be selected from such substances as, for example, lanolin and lecithin and also polyethoxylated or acylated lanolin and lecithin derivatives, polyol fatty acid esters, monoglycerides and fatty acid alkanolamides, the fatty acid alkanolamides also serving as foam stabilizers.

Stabilizers

Metal salts of fatty acids such as, for example, magnesium, aluminium and/or zinc stearate or ricinoleate may be used as stabilizers.

Polymers

Suitable cationic polymers are, for example, cationic cellulose derivatives such as, for example, the quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose obtainable from Amerchol under the name of Polymer JR 400®, cationic starch, copolymers of diallyl ammonium salts and acrylamides, quaternized vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl imidazole polymers such as, for example; Luviquat® (BASF), condensation products of polyglycols and amines, quaternized collagen polypeptides such as, for example, Lauryldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Collagen (Lamequat® L, Grunau), quaternized wheat polypeptides, polyethyleneimine, cationic silicone polymers such as, for example, amodimethicone, copolymers of adipic acid and dimethylamino-hydroxypropyl diethylenetriamine (Cartaretine®, Sandoz), copolymers of acrylic acid with dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (Merquat® 550, Chemviron), polyaminopolyamides and crosslinked water-soluble polymers thereof, cationic chitin derivatives such as, for example, quaternized chitosan, optionally in microcrystalline distribution, condensation products of dihaloalkyls, for example dibromobutane, with bis-dialkylamines, for example bis-dimethylamino-1,3-propane, cationic guar gum such as, for example, Jaguar®CBS, Jaguar®C-17, Jaguar®C-16 from Celanese, quaternized ammonium salt polymers such as, for example, Mirapol® A-15, Mirapol® AD-1, Mirapol® AZ-1 from Miranol.

Suitable anionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and nonionic polymers are, for example, vinyl acetate/crotonic acid copolymers, vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acrylate copolymers, vinyl acetate/butyl maleate/isobornyl acrylate copolymers, methyl vinylether/maleic anhydride copolymers and esters thereof, uncrosslinked and polyol-crosslinked polyacrylic acids, acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride/acrylate copolymers, octylacrylamide/methyl methacrylate/tert.-butylaminoethyl methacrylate/2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate copolymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl pyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/vinyl caprolactam terpolymers and optionally derivatized cellulose ethers and silicones.

Silicone Compounds

Suitable silicone compounds are, for example, dimethyl polysiloxanes, methylphenyl polysiloxanes, cyclic silicones and amino-, fatty acid-, alcohol-, polyether-, epoxy-, fluorine-, glycoside- and/or alkyl-modified silicone compounds which may be both liquid and resin-like at room temperature. Other suitable silicone compounds are simethicones which are mixtures of dimethicones with an average chain length of 200 to 300 dimethylsiloxane units and hydrogenated silicates.

UV Protection Factors and Antioxidants

UV protection factors in the context of the invention are, for example, organic substances (light filters) which are liquid or crystalline at room temperature and which are capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation and of releasing the energy absorbed in the form of longer-wave radiation, for example heat. UV-B filters can be oil-soluble or water-soluble. The following are examples of oil-soluble substances:

-   3-benzylidene camphor or 3-benzylidene norcamphor and derivatives     thereof, for example 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-camphor; -   4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, preferably     4-(dimethylamino)-benzoic acid-2-ethylhexyl ester,     4-(dimethylamino)-benzoic acid-2-octyl ester and     4-(dimethylamino)-benzoic acid amyl ester; -   esters of cinnamic acid, preferably 4-methoxycinnamic     acid-2-ethylhexyl ester, 4-methoxycinnamic acid propyl ester,     4-methoxycinnamic acid isoamyl ester, 2-cyano-3,3-phenylcinnamic     acid-2-ethylhexyl ester (Octocrylene); -   esters of salicylic acid, preferably salicylic acid-2-ethylhexyl     ester, salicylic acid-4-isopropylbenzyl ester, salicylic acid     homomenthyl ester; -   derivatives of benzophenone, preferably     2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,     2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4′-methylbenzophenone,     2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; -   esters of benzalmalonic acid, preferably 4-methoxybenzalmalonic acid     di-2-ethylhexyl ester; -   triazine derivatives such as, for example,     2,4,6-trianilino-(p-carbo-2′-ethyl-1′-hexyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine and     Octyl Triazone or Dioctyl Butamido Triazone (Uvasorb® HEB); -   propane-1,3-diones such as, for example,     1-(4-tert.butylphenyl)-3-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-dione; -   ketotricyclo(5.2.1.0)decane derivatives.

Suitable water-soluble substances are

-   2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and alkali metal, alkaline     earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium and     glucammonium salts thereof; -   sulfonic acid derivatives of benzophenones, preferably     2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid and salts thereof; -   sulfonic acid derivatives of 3-benzylidene camphor such as, for     example, 4-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)-benzene sulfonic acid and     2-methyl-5-(2-oxo-3-bornylidene)-sulfonic acid and salts thereof.

Typical UV-A filters are, in particular, derivatives of benzoyl methane such as, for example, 1-(4′-tert.butylphenyl)-3-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-dione, 4-tert.butyl-4′-methoxydibenzoyl methane (Parsol® 1789) or 1-phenyl-3-(4′-isopropylphenyl)-propane-1,3-dione and enamine compounds. The UV-A and UV-B filters may of course also be used in the form of mixtures. Particularly favorable combinations consist of the derivatives of benzoyl methane, for example 4-tert.butyl-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane (Parsol® 1789) and 2-cyano-3,3-phenylcinnamic acid-2-ethyl hexyl ester (Octocrylene) in combination with esters of cinnamic acid, preferably 4-methoxycinnamic acid-2-ethyl hexyl ester and/or 4-methoxycinnamic acid propyl ester and/or 4-methoxycinnamic acid isoamyl ester. Combinations such as these are advantageously combined with water-soluble filters such as, for example, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium and glucammonium salts thereof.

Besides the soluble substances mentioned, insoluble light-blocking pigments, i.e. finely dispersed metal oxides or salts, may also be used for this purpose. Examples of suitable metal oxides are, in particular, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and also oxides of iron, zirconium oxide, silicon, manganese, aluminium and cerium and mixtures thereof. Silicates (talcum), barium sulfate and zinc stearate may be used as salts. The oxides and salts are used in the form of the pigments for skin-care and skin-protecting emulsions and decorative cosmetics. The particles should have a mean diameter of less than 100 nm, preferably between 5 and 50 nm and more preferably between 15 and 30 nm. They may be spherical in shape although ellipsoidal particles or other non-spherical particles may also be used. The pigments may also be surface-treated, i.e. hydrophilicized or hydrophobicized. Typical examples are coated titanium dioxides, for example Titandioxid T 805 (Degussa) and Eusolex® T2000 (Merck). Suitable hydrophobic coating materials are, above all, silicones and, among these, especially trialkoxyoctylsilanes or simethicones. So-called micro- or nanopigments are preferably used in sun protection products. Micronized zinc oxide is preferably used.

Biogenic Agents and Antioxidants

In the context of the invention, biogenic agents are, for example, tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, tocopherol palmitate, ascorbic acid, (deoxy)ribonucleic acid and fragmentation products thereof, β-glucans, retinol, bisabolol, allantoin, phytantriol, panthenol, AHA acids, amino acids, ceramides, pseudoceramides, essential oils, plant extracts, for example prunus extract, bambara nut extract, and vitamin complexes.

Antioxidants interrupt the photochemical reaction chain which is initiated when UV rays penetrate into the skin. Typical examples are amino acids (for example glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophane) and derivatives thereof, imidazoles (for example urocanic acid) and derivatives thereof, peptides, such as D,L-carnosine, D-carnosine, L-carnosine and derivatives thereof (for example anserine), carotinoids, carotenes (for example α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, chlorogenic acid and derivatives thereof, liponic acid and derivatives thereof (for example dihydroliponic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and other thiols (for example thioredoxine, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl and lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, γ-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof) and their salts, dilaurylthiodipropionate, distearylthiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts) and sulfoximine compounds (for example butionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximine, butionine sulfones, penta-, hexa- and hepta-thionine sulfoximine) in very small compatible dosages (for example pmole to μmole/kg), also (metal) chelators (for example α-hydroxyfatty acids, palmitic acid, phytic acid, lactoferrine), α-hydroxy acids (for example citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acid, bile acid, bile extracts, bilirubin, biliverdin, EDTA, EGTA and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (for example γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, ubiquinone and ubiquinol and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof (for example ascorbyl palmitate, Mg ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl acetate), tocopherols and derivatives (for example vitamin E acetate), vitamin A and derivatives (vitamin A palmitate) and coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, α-glycosyl rutin, ferulic acid, furfurylidene glucitol, carnosine, butyl hydroxytoluene, butyl hydroxyanisole, nordihydroguaiac resin acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, Superoxid-Dismutase, zinc and derivatives thereof (for example ZnO, ZnSO₄), selenium and derivatives thereof (for example selenium methionine), stilbenes and derivatives thereof (for example stilbene oxide, trans-stilbene oxide) and derivatives of these active substances suitable for the purposes of the invention (salts, esters, ethers, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides and lipids).

Deodorants and Germ Inhibitors

Cosmetic deodorants counteract, mask or eliminate body odors. Body odors are formed through the action of skin bacteria on apocrine perspiration which results in the formation of unpleasant-smelling degradation products. Accordingly, deodorants contain active principles which act as germ inhibitors, enzyme inhibitors, odor absorbers or odor maskers.

Germ Inhibitors

-   -   Basically, suitable germ inhibitors are any substances which act         against gram-positive bacteria such as, for example,         4-hydroxy-benzoic acid and salts and esters thereof,         N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N′-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-urea,         2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenylether (triclosan),         4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol,         2,2′-methylene-bis-(6-bromo-4-chlorophenol),         3-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-phenol, 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol,         3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-propane-1,2-diol, 3-iodo-2-propinyl butyl         carbamate, chlorhexidine, 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide (TTC),         antibacterial perfumes, thymol, thyme oil, eugenol, clove oil,         menthol, mint oil, farnesol, phenoxyethanol, glycerol         monocaprate, glycerol monocaprylate, glycerol monolaurate (GML),         diglycerol monocaprate (DMC), salicylic acid-N-alkylamides such         as, for example, salicylic acid-n-octyl amide or salicylic         acid-n-decyl amide.

Enzyme Inhibitors

-   -   Suitable enzyme inhibitors are, for example, esterase         inhibitors. Esterase inhibitors are preferably trialkyl         citrates, such as trimethyl citrate, tripropyl citrate,         triisopropyl citrate, tributyl citrate and, in particular,         triethyl citrate (Hydagen® CAT). Esterase inhibitors inhibit         enzyme activity and thus reduce odor formation. Other esterase         inhibitors are sterol sulfates or phosphates such as, for         example, lanosterol, cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and         sitosterol sulfate or phosphate, dicarboxylic acids and esters         thereof, for example glutaric acid, glutaric acid monoethyl         ester, glutaric acid diethyl ester, adipic acid, adipic acid         monoethyl ester, adipic acid diethyl ester, malonic acid and         malonic acid diethyl ester, hydroxycarboxylic acids and esters         thereof, for example citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid or         tartaric acid diethyl ester, and zinc glycinate.

Odor Absorbers

-   -   Suitable odor absorbers are substances which are capable of         absorbing and largely retaining the odor-forming compounds. They         reduce the partial pressure of the individual components and         thus also reduce the rate at which they spread. An important         requirement in this regard is that perfumes must remain         unimpaired. Odor absorbers are not active against bacteria. They         contain, for example, a complex zinc salt of ricinoleic acid or         special perfumes of largely neutral odor known to the expert as         “fixateurs” such as, for example, extracts of ladanum or styrax         or certain abietic acid derivatives as their principal         component. Odor maskers are perfumes or perfume oils which,         besides their odor-masking function, impart their particular         perfume note to the deodorants. Suitable perfume oils are, for         example, mixtures of natural and synthetic fragrances. Natural         fragrances include the extracts of blossoms, stems and leaves,         fruits, fruit peel, roots, woods, herbs and grasses, needles and         branches, resins and balsams. Animal raw materials, for example         civet and beaver, may also be used. Typical synthetic perfume         compounds are products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone,         alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Examples of perfume compounds of         the ester type are benzyl acetate, p-tert.butyl         cyclohexylacetate, linalyl acetate, phenyl ethyl acetate,         linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, allyl cyclohexyl propionate,         styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. Ethers include, for         example, benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes include, for         example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms,         citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen         aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal. Examples of         suitable ketones are the ionones and methyl cedryl ketone.         Suitable alcohols are anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol,         geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol. The         hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and balsams. However,         it is preferred to use mixtures of different perfume compounds         which, together, produce an agreeable fragrance. Other suitable         perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low volatility         which are mostly used as aroma components. Examples are sage         oil, camomile oil, clove oil, lemon balm oil, mint oil, cinnamon         leaf oil, lime-blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil,         olibanum oil, galbanum oil, ladanum oil and lavendin oil. The         following are preferably used either individually or in the form         of mixtures: bergamot oil, dihydromyrcenol, lilial, lyral,         citronellol, phenylethyl alcohol, α-hexylcinnamaldehyde,         geraniol, benzyl acetone, cyclamen aldehyde, linalool,         Boisambrene Forte, Ambroxan, indole, hedione, sandelice, citrus         oil, mandarin oil, orange oil, allylamyl glycolate, cyclovertal,         lavendin oil, clary oil, β-damascone, geranium oil bourbon,         cyclohexyl salicylate, Vertofix Coeur, Iso-E-Super, Fixolide NP,         evernyl, iraldein gamma, phenylacetic acid, geranyl acetate,         benzyl acetate, rose oxide, romillat, irotyl and floramat.

Antiperspirants

-   -   Antiperspirants reduce perspiration and thus counteract underarm         wetness and body odor by influencing the activity of the eccrine         sweat glands. Aqueous or water-free antiperspirant formulations         typically contain the following ingredients:     -   astringent active principles,     -   oil components,     -   nonionic emulsifiers,     -   co-emulsifiers,     -   consistency factors,     -   auxiliaries in the form of, for example, thickeners or         complexing agents and/or     -   non-aqueous solvents such as, for example, ethanol, propylene         glycol and/or glycerol.     -   Suitable astringent active principles of antiperspirants are,         above all, salts of aluminium, zirconium or zinc. Suitable         antihydrotic agents of this type are, for example, aluminium         chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium dichlorohydrate,         aluminium sesquichlorohydrate and complex compounds thereof, for         example with 1,2-propylene glycol, aluminium         hydroxyallantoinate, aluminium chloride tartrate, aluminium         zirconium trichlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium         tetrachlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrate and         complex compounds thereof, for example with amino acids, such as         glycine. Oil-soluble and water-soluble auxiliaries typically         encountered in antiperspirants may also be present in relatively         small amounts. Oil-soluble auxiliaries such as these include,         for example,     -   inflammation-inhibiting, skin-protecting or pleasant-smelling         essential oils,     -   synthetic skin-protecting agents and/or     -   oil-soluble perfume oils.     -   Typical water-soluble additives are, for example, preservatives,         water-soluble perfumes, pH adjusters, for example buffer         mixtures, water-soluble thickeners, for example water-soluble         natural or synthetic polymers such as, for example, xanthan gum,         hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or high molecular         weight polyethylene oxides.         Film Formers

Standard film formers are, for example, chitosan, microcrystalline chitosan, quaternized chitosan, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, polymers of the acrylic acid series, quaternary cellulose derivatives, collagen, hyaluronic acid and salts thereof and similar compounds.

Antidandruff Agents

Suitable antidandruff agents are Piroctone Olamine (1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2-(1H)-pyridinone monoethanolamine salt), Baypival® (Climbazole), Ketoconazol® (4-acetyl-1-{4-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) r-2-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxylan-c-4-ylmethoxy-phenyl}-piperazine, ketoconazole, elubiol, selenium disulfide, colloidal sulfur, sulfur polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate, sulfur ricinol polyethoxylate, sulfur tar distillate, salicylic acid (or in combination with hexachlorophene), undecylenic acid, monoethanolamide sulfosuccinate Na salt, Lamepon® UD (protein/undecylenic acid condensate), zinc pyrithione, aluminum pyrithione and magnesium pyrithione/dipyrithione magnesium sulfate.

Swelling Agents

Suitable swelling agents for aqueous phases are montmorillonites, clay minerals, Pemulen and alkyl-modified Carbopol types (Goodrich). Other suitable polymers and swelling agents can be found in R. Lochhead's review in Cosm. Toil. 108, 95 (1993).

Insect Repellents

Suitable insect repellents are N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, pentane-1,2-diol or Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate.

Self-Tanning Agents and Depigmenting Agents

A suitable self-tanning agent is dihydroxyacetone. Suitable tyrosine inhibitors which prevent the formation of melanin and are used in depigmenting agents are, for example, arbutin, ferulic acid, koji acid, coumaric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Hydrotropes

In addition, hydrotropes, for example ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or polyols, may be used to improve flow behavior. Suitable polyols preferably contain 2 to 15 carbon atoms and at least two hydroxyl groups. The polyols may contain other functional groups, more especially amino groups, or may be modified with nitrogen. Typical examples are

-   -   glycerol;     -   alkylene glycols such as, for example, ethylene glycol,         diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexylene         glycol and polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight         of 100 to 1000 dalton;     -   technical oligoglycerol mixtures with a degree of         self-condensation of 1.5 to 10 such as, for example, technical         diglycerol mixtures with a diglycerol content of 40 to 50% by         weight;     -   methylol compounds such as, in particular, trimethylol ethane,         trimethylol propane, trimethylol butane, pentaerythritol and         dipentaerythritol;     -   lower alkyl glucosides, particularly those containing 1 to 8         carbon atoms in the alkyl group, for example methyl and butyl         glucoside;     -   sugar alcohols containing 5 to 12 carbon atoms, for example         sorbitol or mannitol,     -   sugars containing 5 to 12 carbon atoms, for example glucose or         sucrose;     -   amino sugars, for example glucamine;     -   dialcoholamines, such as diethanolamine or         2-aminopropane-1,3-diol.         Preservatives

Suitable preservatives are, for example, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde solution, parabens, pentanediol or sorbic acid and the silver complexes known under the name of Surfacine® and the other classes of compounds listed in Appendix 6, Parts A and B of the Kosmetikverordnung (“Cosmetics Directive”).

Perfume Oils and Aromas

Suitable perfume oils are mixtures of natural and synthetic perfumes. Natural perfumes include the extracts of blossoms (lily, lavender, rose, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang), stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), fruits (anise, coriander, caraway, juniper), fruit peel (bergamot, lemon, orange), roots (nutmeg, angelica, celery, cardamom, costus, iris, calmus), woods (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiac wood, cedarwood, rosewood), herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), needles and branches (spruce, fir, pine, dwarf pine), resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Animal raw materials, for example civet and beaver, may also be used. Typical synthetic perfume compounds are products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Examples of perfume compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert.butyl cyclohexylacetate, linalyl acetate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, phenyl ethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethyl phenyl glycinate, allyl cyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. Ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxy-citronellal, lilial and bourgeonal. Examples of suitable ketones are the ionones, α-isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone. Suitable alcohols are anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol. The hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and balsams. However, it is preferred to use mixtures of different perfume compounds which, together, produce an agreeable perfume. Other suitable perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low volatility which are mostly used as aroma components. Examples are sage oil, camomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime-blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, ladanum oil and lavendin oil. The following are preferably used either individually or in the form of mixtures: bergamot oil, dihydromyrcenol, lilial, lyral, citronellol, phenylethyl alcohol, α-hexylcinnamaldehyde, geraniol, benzyl acetone, cyclamen aldehyde, linalool, Boisambrene Forte, Ambroxan, indole, hedione, sandelice, citrus oil, mandarin oil, orange oil, allylamyl glycolate, cyclovertal, lavendin oil, clary oil, β-damascone, geranium oil bourbon, cyclohexyl salicylate, Vertofix Coeur, Iso-E-Super, Fixolide NP, evernyl, iraldein gamma, phenylacetic acid, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate, rose oxide, romillat, irotyl and floramat.

Suitable aromas are, for example, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, aniseed oil, Japanese anise oil, caraway oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, citrus oil, wintergreen oil, clove oil, menthol and the like.

Dyes

Suitable dyes are any of the substances suitable and approved for cosmetic purposes as listed, for example, in the publication “Kosmetische Färbemittel” of the Farbstoffkommission der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft, Verlag Chemie, Weinheim, 1984, pages 81 to 106. Examples include cochineal red A (C.I. 16255), patent blue V (C.I. 42051), indigotin (C.I. 73015), chlorophyllin (C.I. 75810), quinoline yellow (C.I. 47005), titanium dioxide (C.I. 77891), indanthrene blue RS(C.I. 69800) and madder lake (C.I. 58000). Luminol may also be present as a luminescent dye. These dyes are normally used in concentrations of 0.001 to 0.1% by weight, based on the mixture as a whole.

The total percentage content of auxiliaries and additives may be from 1 to 50% by weight and is preferably from 5 to 40% by weight, based on the particular preparations. The preparations may be produced by standard hot or cold processes and are preferably produced by the phase inversion temperature method.

The following Examples were carried out using an oligoglucosamine with an average molecular weight of 500 which had been produced by acidic degradation of chitosan (Hydagen® DCMF, Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG).

EXAMPLES

The oligoglucosamines used in the Examples have a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 1,000 g/mol and a degree of acetylation of less than 20%.

Example 1 Regenerative and Growth-Stimulating Effect

After incubation in a nutrient solution for 72 hours, fibroblasts form saturated monolayers and cease their activity, so that growth comes to a stop. Systems such as these are suitable for a number of investigations:

-   -   The protein content of the cells was determined by Bradford's         method [cf. Anal. Biochem. 72, 248-254 (1977)].     -   Glutathione (GSH) is a peptide which is produced by the cells         for protection against oxidative stress and environmental         poisons, more particularly against heavy metals. The three amino         acids involved in the reduced form of GSH are linked by special         cytoplasmatic enzymes which need ATP for activation. An increase         in the GSH concentration leads to an increase in the         glutatione-S-transferase activity, a detoxifying enzyme. The GHS         content was determined by Hissin's method [cf. Anal. Biochem.         74, 214-226 (1977].     -   The cell fuel adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essentially         formed in the mitochondria, is needed to activate certain         enzymes which, for example, control the cell skeleton, the ionic         channels, the uptake of nutrients and a large number of other         important biological processes. The protein content of the cells         was determined by Vasseur's method [cf. J. Franc. Hydrologie,         9,149-156 (1981)].     -   Finally, determination of the cell DNA content provides an         indication of the number of viable cells and was carried out         with a Hoechst 33258 fluorescence marker [cf. Desnauliers,         Toxicology in vitro, 12, 409-422 (1998)].

The regenerating effect of the test substances was investigated using human fibroblasts. In a first series of tests, the fibroblasts were incubated in a nutrient medium for 1 day at 37° C./5% by vol. CO₂, the nutrient medium was replaced by a medium which contained the test substances and the fibroblasts were incubated for another 3 days at 37° C. The protein content of the cells and the GHS, ATP and DNA concentrations were then determined. The results are set out in Table 1 which shows the results of 3 series of measurements involving triple determination in %-rel against a blank. TABLE 1 Growth- and survival-stimulating effect (figures = %-rel.) Conc. Protein GHS ATP DNA Test substance % w/v content content content content Blank 0 100 100 100 100 Oligoglucosamine 0.1 125 ± 3 127 ± 8 123 ± 3 245 Oligoglucosamine 0.3 145 ± 5 142 ± 8 101 ± 7 1863

The Examples show that the test substances stimulate the metabolism in regard to the growth and protection of the fibroblasts.

Example 2 Protection of Cells Against UV-B Rays

The function of this test was to show that the test substances have anti-inflammatory properties for human keratinocytes. UVB was selected as the stress factor because the rays produce cutaneous inflammation (erythemas, oedemas) by activating enzymes that release arachidonic acid, such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) for example. This results not only in damage to the membranes, but also in the formation of inflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins of the PGE2 type for example. The influence of UVB rays on keratinocytes was determined in vitro through the release of cytoplasmatic enzymes, such as LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) for example, which runs parallel to the cell damage and the formation of PGE2. To carry out the test, a keratinocyte culture was mixed with foetal calf serum and inoculated with the test substances after storage at 37° C. in an atmosphere containing 5% CO₂. After incubation for 36 h at 37° C. and a CO₂ level of 5% by vol., the nutrient medium was replaced by an electrolyte solution and the fibroblasts were damaged with a particular dose of UVB (50 mJ/cm²; lamp: Duke GL40E). The quantity of keratinocytes was determined after trypsination via a cell counter while the LDH concentration was enzymatically determined. The results are set out in Table 2 which shows the activity in %-rel. against a standard as the mean value of two test series involving double determination. TABLE 2 Effect against UVB rays (figures = %-rel.) Conc. Cell LDH PGE2 Test substances % w/v DNA released released Control without UVB 0 100% 0% 0% Control with UVB 0  24% 100%  100%  UVB + acetylsalicylic acid 0.03 116% 0% 0% UVB + oligoglucosamine 0.1 145% 16%  25%  UVB + oligoglucosamine 0.3 188% 10%  0%

The results show that the test substances significantly reduce the harmful effects of UVB rays and, in particular, reduce the release of LDH and PGE2.

A number of Formulation Examples are set out in Table 3 below TABLE 3 Examples for cosmetic preparations (water, preservative to 100% by weight) Composition (INCI) 1 2 3 4 5 Emulgade ® SE 5.0 5.0 4.0 — — Glyceryl Stearate (and) Ceteareth 12/20 (and) Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Cetyl Palmitate Eumulgin ® B1 — — 1.0 — — Ceteareth-12 Lameform ® TGI — — — 4.0 — Polyglyceryl-3 Isostearate Dehymuls ® PGPH — — — — 4.0 Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate Monomuls ® 90-O 18 — — — 2.0 — Glyceryl Oleate Cetiol ® HE — — — — 2.0 PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Cetiol ® OE — — — 5.0 6.0 Dicaprylyl Ether Cetiol ® PGL — — 3.0 10.0 9.0 Hexyldecanol (and) Hexyldecyl Laurate Cetiol ® SN 3.0 3.0 — — — Cetearyl Isononanoate Cetiol ® V 3.0 3.0 — — — Decyl Oleate Myritol ® 318 — — 3.0 5.0 5.0 Coco Caprylate Caprate Bees Wax — — — 7.0 5.0 Nutrilan ® Elastin E20 2.0 — — — — Hydrolyzed Elastin Nutrilan ® I-50 — 2.0 — — — Hydrolyzed Collagen Gluadin ® AGP — — 0.5 — — Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten Gluadin ® WK — — — 0.5 0.5 Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Oligoglucosamine (M 500) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Hydagen ® CMF 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Chitosan Magnesium Sulfate — — — 1.0 1.0 Hepta Hydrate Glycerol (86% by wt.) 3.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 3.0 (A) Soft cream, (B, C) Moisturizing emulsion, (D, E) Night cream 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A process for stimulating the metabolism of human skin, comprising contacting the skin with a low molecular weight oligoglucosamine having an average molecular weight of 500 to 5,000 daltons for a period of time sufficient to affect such stimulation.
 12. A process according to claim 11, wherein the low molecular weight oligoglucosamine is a chitosan having an average molecular weight of 800 to 1,500 daltons.
 13. A process according to claim 11, wherein the low molecular weight oligoglucosamine has an average molecular weight of 600 to 1,000 daltons and a degree of acetylation of less than 20%.
 14. A process for reducing UV-induced damage to the human skin, comprising contacting the skin with a low molecular weight oligoglucosamine having an average molecular weight of 500 to 5,000 daltons for a period of time sufficient to affect such reduction of damage.
 15. A process according to claim 14, wherein the low molecular weight oligoglucosamine is a chitosan having an average molecular weight of 800 to 1,500 daltons.
 16. A process according to claim 14, wherein the low molecular weight oligoglucosamine has an average molecular weight of 600 to 1,000 daltons and a degree of acetylation of less than 20%.
 17. A cosmetic or dermatological composition for stimulating the metabolism of human skin comprising a low molecular weight oligoglucosamine having an average molecular weight of 600 to 1,000 daltons and a degree of acetylation of less than 20%.
 18. A cosmetic or dermatological composition according to claim 17, wherein the low molecular weight oligoglucosamine comprises from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.
 19. A cosmetic or dermatological composition for reducing UV-induced damage to the human skin, comprising a low molecular weight oligoglucosamine having an average molecular weight of 600 to 1,000 daltons and a degree of acetylation of less than 20%.
 20. A cosmetic or dermatological composition according to claim 19, wherein the low molecular weight oligoglucosamine comprises from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition. 